26 Feb 19

Join the buzz at the 10th Duke University Regional Bee

Spellers approach the microphone during the 2018 regional spelling bee

Durham, NC – Saturday March 9, 2019 marks the ten-year anniversary of the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by the Duke Office of Durham Affairs. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. in the auditorium of Riverside High School. Sixty students from public, private, parochial and charter schools, as well as homeschool associations from across Durham and Orange counties will be competing for the title of Regional Bee Champion. The winner will advance to the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May.

Bettie Closs, the regional champion in 2014, 2015, and 2016 will give the opening remarks of this special ten-year anniversary of the Bee. Geraud Staton, executive director and founder of the Helius Foundation, will serve as this year’s pronouncer. Dr. Sam Miglarese of Duke’s Office of Durham Affairs and Emily Chavez of Duke’s Center for Multicultural Affairs will serve as judges.

Channa Pickett, Duke’s liaison with Scripps expressed, “We are really looking forward to this year’s competition. The students who compete are truly remarkable, and we are delighted to celebrate the tenth year of the Bee. If you are looking for an entertaining event, the spelling bee has it all – suspense and thrills for everyone!”

The event is free and open to the public and begins at 9:00 a.m. There will be free parking at Riverside High School, 3218 Rose of Sharon Rd, Durham, NC 27712.